More TireRack Brands?

[Chris Kennedy]

In response to another thread, I mentioned that I have been investigating many of the newer brands of tires that you see in the U.S. market (e.g, NITTO, TOYO, etc.). An advantage of getting tires through TireRack is that it is a national operation, so if there is a problem it's realtively easy to get a replacement tire rather than having to work through local tire dealers, who seem to be getting increasingly scuzzy (especially many of the ones that advertise that they are "family owned and run for 50 years"--these are often the biggest rip-offs, they just do it with more down home charm). Yet, when you actually look at the brands TireRack offers, it's relatively limited to the traditional brands, with certain exceptions like Kumho. I know they won't special order a tire brand that they don't usually stock, but I have yet to ask them whether they have considered expanding their line. Before I do, has anyone asked them? Discount tire is starting to offer a wider selection, I have noticed.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Edmond]

Chris,

I remember reading some study on Kumho tires and the conclusion was that they're very good tires. I can't say what the current tire market is like since I got my Firestone SZ-50's 3 years ago!

One problem you may run into is finding someone to mount those tires who won't rip you off because you didn't buy the tires from them. Personally, I never understood the issue. It's money for them to make and they didn't even have to stock the tire so what's the problem?

I think $12-15 per tire is fair for installation. Even paying $50 for all 4 corners will save you money over the local Goodyear and Firestone shops. I shopped locally before I ended up buying from Tirerack. I got each of my Firestones for $186 a piece. Too bad they've discontinued the SZ-50.

You could also check the classified forums on all the Corvette boards. There are plenty of times when guys end up going with larger wheels/tires and have no use for the stock size. They sometimes get rid of them to offset the cost of the new ones.

What size are you running?

 

[MBDiagMan]

Tire Rack may not have every brand known to man, but they have enough brands. I have been buying tires exclusively from tire rack for about ten years or so. I found a used computer balancer and an old manual tire machine with an air powered bead breaker and I am totally tire store independent now.

The most important part is that I can balance my wheels and get them right. What drove me this far was fighting with the tire store kids to get them to balance wheels correctly. If you want something done right you have to do it yourself. There are tire stores out there that do a great job, but they are expensive and few and far between.

What particular tire are you looking for that you think you have to get Toyo or whatever the other brand you mentioned? Kumho makes a GREAT tire for the money and if you want more expensive tires or competition tires, they have a good selection there too.

Good luck,

 

[Chris Kennedy]

To reply to the last two messages, I run the standard 275 40 17s on my '89 Ebay rat. I got the car to replace a beloved '81 which a guy ran a red light and hit a little over a year ago. The rat is a 6-speed, and originally had badly faded dark gray/black paint and a rough gray interior. Curiously, the car came with a relatively new set of expensive Continental Extreme Contact tires. Though they would not have been my first choice, they really are quite good, and I am grateful for them, but I think I would like to replace them in about a year or so given wear rate and other factors. Anyhow, I ended up bringing the paint back to some life, and bought a used black interior (seats, door panels) and installed all this myself with new black carpets, new AFS black zr-1 style wheels and silver GS has marks. I don't know what it is about this car, but driving along, especially at night with the digital dash glowing, I get this feeling like I'm in BladeRunner! I was telling my father how much I like the digital instruments...makes gauges look old and I don't miss them at all. There is something curiously contemporary feeling and looking about this particular car, and even some tuners have said they like it. But to the point: All this has gotten me looking at new brands of accessories that I may not have considered before, hence tires, thinking that if the rat forced me to consider new things that I ultimately really liked better, then perhaps I should consider different brands of tires. It's actually a healthy attitude, I think. I have gotten most of my tires from TireRack as well, yet their selection is basically sort of "the usual suspects" with a few new brands, such as Kumho (which I like). On some of the tuner cars, and the tuner mags, you see ads for NITTO, TOYO and other brands, primarily Asian (it's amazing how much there is out there). The TOYO I mentioned looks a lot like the Goodyear GS- D3 that others have liked, but actually is more aggressive looking and about $50 less expensive. The problem is getting information about these various brands and the dealer network. That's what concerns me as going to manufacturer websites only gets you so far, and it's prompted my comments about TireRack needing to consider expanding its line. I will contact them and mention this. Thanks for your replies,

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[vee93]

I finally let my BFGoodrich KDWs go....., they were dang good tires, just boring. I bought a set of Kuhmo Ecsta 712s and I'm liking them--so far. They were a little slick at first. They look a lot better too.
Purchased the tires w/ free stems, mount and balance--all for $750.98. And, they didn't ding up my wheels.
This was done at Scotty's Tire and Automotive. Don't know if you have this franchise in your area, but I'd check on it. The Kuhmos were cheaper at Scotty's than what the Tire Rack was offering.

 

[JEFNLSA]

I finally let my BFGoodrich KDWs go....., they were dang good tires, just boring. I bought a set of Kuhmo Ecsta 712s and I'm liking them--so far. They were a little slick at first. They look a lot better too.
Purchased the tires w/ free stems, mount and balance--all for $750.98. And, they didn't ding up my wheels.
This was done at Scotty's Tire and Automotive. Don't know if you have this franchise in your area, but I'd check on it. The Kuhmos were cheaper at Scotty's than what the Tire Rack was offering.

Not tryin' to burst your bubble but you can get a set of 4 - 712's from Tirerack for right around $100 per tire (dependent on size). Even with shipping, warranty, mount & balance at a tire store of your choice & tax on that I can't imagine that you'd be facing a $750 bill.

I figure a little over $500 to get them to your door (w/ warranty) and maybe $100 - $120 tops to mount/balance them.

I just bought a set of 4 - 285/40/17 Goodyear F1GSD3's from Discount Tire. Paid $1070.00 out the door w/ road force balancing. Lotsa money but, after alot of shopping around & researching, I took the plunge. Discount Tire will meet Tirerack's price if you bring it to their attention - which I of course did.

Cya,
Jeff

 

[vee93]

Not tryin' to burst your bubble but you can get a set of 4 - 712's from Tirerack for right around $100 per tire (dependent on size). Even with shipping, warranty, mount & balance at a tire store of your choice & tax on that I can't imagine that you'd be facing a $750 bill.

I figure a little over $500 to get them to your door (w/ warranty) and maybe $100 - $120 tops to mount/balance them.

I just bought a set of 4 - 285/40/17 Goodyear F1GSD3's from Discount Tire. Paid $1070.00 out the door w/ road force balancing. Lotsa money but, after alot of shopping around & researching, I took the plunge. Discount Tire will meet Tirerack's price if you bring it to their attention - which I of course did.

Cya,
Jeff

Naaaw, no bubble burst here. Actually, when I did my online search, the Tire Rack pricing for the same tires would've run me about $100 more for the same tires. Factor in the shipping, then the hauling them to the tire store for the mounting, balancing, etc... I figure I came out alright.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Naaaw, no bubble burst here. Actually, when I did my online search, the Tire Rack pricing for the same tires would've run me about $100 more for the same tires. Factor in the shipping, then the hauling them to the tire store for the mounting, balancing, etc... I figure I came out alright.

Congratulations! Could you tell us a little bit more about the Kumhos---this particular tire model is one I have been considering as well.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Not tryin' to burst your bubble but you can get a set of 4 - 712's from Tirerack for right around $100 per tire (dependent on size). Even with shipping, warranty, mount & balance at a tire store of your choice & tax on that I can't imagine that you'd be facing a $750 bill.

I figure a little over $500 to get them to your door (w/ warranty) and maybe $100 - $120 tops to mount/balance them.

I just bought a set of 4 - 285/40/17 Goodyear F1GSD3's from Discount Tire. Paid $1070.00 out the door w/ road force balancing. Lotsa money but, after alot of shopping around & researching, I took the plunge. Discount Tire will meet Tirerack's price if you bring it to their attention - which I of course did.

Cya,
Jeff

Discount Tire is comming on real strong---they'll often meet TireRack's price and include installation as well if you ask (I tried that with a set of Yokohamas I was once thinking of getting). What makes it even better is that they won't add to the price the shipping cost you save by not buying from TireRack. For fun you also need to check out Discount Tires wheels for our cars. They have more of a selection. Incidentally, does anyone know if Discount Tire will custom order a tire from a tire line that they don't ordinarily stock? TireRack won't, I asked.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[John Robinson]

Kumho 712

Congratulations! Could you tell us a little bit more about the Kumhos---this particular tire model is one I have been considering as well.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

I have run a set of the Kumho Ecstra 712 now for over 10K They are very good in the dry and predictable in the wet. Having said that I am finding them to be a bit more slippery on the wet roads this fall. That could well be that it is cold and I am not getting them up to temp right now. Beware they are not the tire you want if you drive on snow. As good as they are in the summer they are that bad in the winter. So if you are looking for a year round tire look at some of the other models of Kumho tires for year round tread design. I have found that when warmed up in the dry they are very predictable in hard cornering giving pleanty of warning they are getting close to the limit of adhesion. My father used to say about buying tires you pays you money and takes your chances.

 

[vee93]

Congratulations! Could you tell us a little bit more about the Kumhos---this particular tire model is one I have been considering as well.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

The Ecsta Supra 712s are considered one of Kumho's summer performance tires. Which I didn't mind because the only time I drive my Vette in the rain is when I get caught in the rain. The big ole groove in the center tread appealed to me in case I ever get caught in the rain, I won't worry too much about hydroplaning at or below posted speeds.
I did notice that when I first took off from the tire shop, they spun on me even though I hadn't punched it outta the parking lot. Got to the intersection leading to the interstate, light goes green, I give it some gas and they spun on me again. This is a concern of mine. (Never had that particular problem with the BFG KDWs). So, I figured, okay..., it's cold out, they're hard and brand new. So far, to be safe on the side of caution, I've warmed them up before gettin on it on the highway.
I've yet to put the tires thru some generous curves and spirited driving, although I've launched from a coupla curvaceous on-ramps onto the interstate problem free. The weather has turned nasty even for here, so further testing away from traffic is on hold.
For me, these ES 712s are quiet tires and deliver a smooth ride. I've heard tell of and read other reviews that say differently. Maybe with these folks, it was the balancing or suspension...
They're good looking tires too.
Hope this helps ya!

 

[Chris Kennedy]

The Ecsta Supra 712s are considered one of Kumho's summer performance tires. Which I didn't mind because the only time I drive my Vette in the rain is when I get caught in the rain. The big ole groove in the center tread appealed to me in case I ever get caught in the rain, I won't worry too much about hydroplaning at or below posted speeds.
I did notice that when I first took off from the tire shop, they spun on me even though I hadn't punched it outta the parking lot. Got to the intersection leading to the interstate, light goes green, I give it some gas and they spun on me again. This is a concern of mine. (Never had that particular problem with the BFG KDWs). So, I figured, okay..., it's cold out, they're hard and brand new. So far, to be safe on the side of caution, I've warmed them up before gettin on it on the highway.
I've yet to put the tires thru some generous curves and spirited driving, although I've launched from a coupla curvaceous on-ramps onto the interstate problem free. The weather has turned nasty even for here, so further testing away from traffic is on hold.
For me, these ES 712s are quiet tires and deliver a smooth ride. I've heard tell of and read other reviews that say differently. Maybe with these folks, it was the balancing or suspension...
They're good looking tires too.
Hope this helps ya!

Yes it does---thank you and enjoy the tires!

/s/ Chris Kennedy